Common Cat Snake | Boiga trigonata

Labels: Indian Gamma Snake, Common Cat Snake
Scientific name: Boiga trigonata
Common name: Common Cat Snake

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Serpentes
Family:	Colubridae
Genus:	Boiga
Species:	B. trigonata

Type: HARMLESS

Distinguishing Features: Small to medium-sized; very slender; scales smooth; neck is thin; eyes protruding with flat head and distinct pattern.

Average Length: 65 cm; At Birth: 25 cm; Maximum: 1.25 m (female).

Description: Common Cat Snakes are thin and have a long body with a tail that tapers to a point. Their colour is light-brown or tan with a pattern of zigzag markings. A prominent ‘Y’ mark can be seen on their head. They usually have smooth scales, which are not glossy. Their underside is whitish or tan, which occasionally shows the presence of tiny spots. They are often mistaken for Saw-scaled Vipers. There are 11 species of Cat Snakes in India.

Distribution: They are found throughout India, but mostly on plains. The Himalayan Cat Snake is found up to 3000 m above sea level.

Habitat: In Tamil they are called ‘palm leaf snakes’, as it is found coiled up in the leaves of the Palmyra during the day time. They also like to stay in a cool place, among bushes, in thatched roofs or under the bark of trees.

Habits: Cat Snakes have cat-like protruding eyes and long feathery tongue indicate which indicates that they are nocturnal. They are rear-fanged and have mild venom for paralyzing their prey. Usually they are inoffensive and when disturbed will coil firmly, rearing back and vibrating the tail.

Young: Approximately 7 eggs are laid at a time.

Food: They mainly feed on geckos and other lizards, but also eat mice and small birds.

Status: In many areas South India it can be referred to as a Common Snake, but like other inconspicuous or nocturnal snakes they are hardly ever seen.